Charley Priory

The exact date Charley Priory was established is unknown, but is at some point before 1190. In 1190, Petronilla de Grandmesnil, Countess of Leicester donated the priory to the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Evroul in Normandy. The gift was confirmed at the beginning of the 13th-century, with the abbey under the control of Ware Priory, a subordinate of Saint-Evroul.[1]

In 1220, while under the patronage of the Earl of Winchester, the priory is recorded as a hermitage, and as independent (no longer under the control of another abbey or priory), and as in possession of the advowson of Ratcliffe on the Wreake church. At the time 3 monks lived at the priory but it is unclear if they followed the Augustinian or Benedictine order; as a hermitage they may not have followed any definite rule.[1]

By the late 13th-century the priory was considered Augustinian, and in 1291 the abbey was valued at £9. 2s. 9½d.[1]

By 1444 the priory's poor finances had allowed the priory buildings to fall into ruins . In 1465 Sir John Bourchier petitioned the Bishop of Lincoln to allow the priory to be united with the nearby Augustinian Ulverscroft Priory. The priory was dissolved soon after, and united with Ulverscroft.[2][1] Ulverscroft itself was dissolved in 1539.

Nothing remains of the priory buildings. The dyke however remains, showing the location of the precinct walls.[2]